The impact of alcohol on HIV prevention and treatment for South Africans in primary healthcare
Auteurs & affiliatie
Michelle Schneider, Matthew Chersich, Marleen Temmerman, Olivier Degomme, Charles D Parry
Abstract
Background: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has substantially reduced morbidity and mortality for HIV patients. In South Africa, with the largest ART programme globally, attention is needed not only on the further expansion of ART coverage, but also on factors which undermine its effectiveness, such as alcohol use. Objective: Given the decentralised approach of nurse-initiated and -sustained ART in the South African primary health sector, it is important to document key aspects of alcohol use to be conveyed to HIV-positive individuals and those at risk for HIV. Method: This study comprised a narrative review of relevant literature. Results: Alcohol acts through both behavioural and physiological pathways to impact on the acquisition, further transmission and then progression of HIV disease. Besides links to risky sex, alcohol undermines the immune system, raising susceptibility to contracting and then countering HIV and other infections. There are important drug interactions between alcohol and ART, or therapies for opportunistic infections and other co-morbidities. Moreover, alcohol undermines adherence to the medication which is essential for effective ART. Conclusion: Primary healthcare clinic attendees need evidence-based information on the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on HIV infection, which ensue throughout the clinical course of HIV. This spans the role of alcohol consumption as a risk factor for HIV infection, HIV replication in infected individuals, a person’s response to HIV infection and HIV treatment. Primary healthcare workers, especially nurses and HIV counsellors, require training in order to screen for and provide appropriate interventions for HIV-positive patients, those on treatment and treatment-naïve patients, who will benefit from reduced alcohol consumption or the cessation thereof.
Publicatiedatum:
2014
Teamleden:
Marleen Temmerman
Olivier Degomme
Link naar publicatie
Bijlages
The_impact_of_alcohol_on_HIV_prevention.pdf (open)Gerelateerde publicaties
Olivier Degomme, Emilie Peeters, Hedwig Deconinck, Alban Ylli, Albana Fico, Gentiana Qirjako, Dorina Ttocaj, Sara De Meyer, Kristien Michielsen, Anna Page, Wina Baeha, Kristi Praptiwi, Miranda van Reeuwijk, Beatriz Manuel, Elin C. Larsson, Carmen Ortiz, Bernardo Vega, Monserrath Jerves, Simukai Shamu, Annemiek Seeuws, Anna Galle, Anne Nobels, Ines Keygnaert, Hazel Barrett, Nina Van Eekert, Tammary Esho, Els Leye, Carles Pericas Escale, Samuel Thuo Kimani, Sofie Thielemans, Dara De Schutter, Remi Moerkerke, Louis De Backer, Viola N. Nyakato, Elizabeth Kemigisha, Wei Hong Zhang, Marleen Temmerman, Lina Hu, Shangchun Wu, Kaiyan Pei, Charlotte Neves de Oliveira, Argyro Chatzinikolaou, Eva Lievens
2022 Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among under- and neverscreened women in Belgium : a qualitative study on community and healthcare providers’ perspectiveBo Verberckmoes, Elien De Paepe, Janne De Vestele, Heleen Vermandere, Ines Keygnaert, Olivier Degomme
2022 Inhoudelijk eindrapport Opleiding seksueel geweld voor de Family Justice Centers & Ketenaanpak Intrafamiliaal GeweldSaar Baert, Lisa Fomenko, Nele Vaerewijck, Lotte De Schrijver, An-Sofie Van Parys, Ines Keygnaert